What is a common endocrine side effect associated with chronic opioid use?

Chronic opioid use is commonly associated with hypogonadism, which is a condition characterized by lower levels of testosterone in men and estrogen in women. Opioids can disrupt the normal functioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, leading to decreased secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which in turn reduces luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels. This hormonal imbalance results in lower production of sex hormones, contributing to symptoms such as decreased libido, fatigue, weight gain, or mood changes.

The other options do not accurately represent the typical endocrine consequences of long-term opioid use. While hypertension is a cardiovascular issue, it is not primarily endocrine in nature. Hyperglycemia is more associated with conditions like diabetes rather than direct opioid effects; opioids can potentially affect glucose metabolism, but this is less commonly noted. Hyperkalemia, an elevated level of potassium in the blood, can occur due to various factors, but it is not a direct result of opioid use. Thus, hypogonadism stands out as the key endocrine side effect of chronic opioid therapy.